CD4+CD25- T CELLS AND Tr1-LIKE REGULATORY T CELLS

ABSTRACT

The invention provides CD4 + CD25 −  T cells and Tr1-like regulatory T cells (i.e., contact-independent Type 1-like regulatory T cells), processes for their production and their use for regulatory purposes.

The invention provides CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells and Tr1-like regulatory T cells (i.e., contact-independent Type 1-like regulatory T cells), processes for their production and their use for regulatory purposes.

INTRODUCTION

There is now compelling evidence that CD4⁺ T cells specialized for the suppression of immune responses play a critical role in immune regulation. It has been convincingly demonstrated in rodents, that cells with this function are enriched within the CD4⁺CD25⁺ subset (Asano et al., J. Exp. Med. 184:387-396 (1996); Takahashi et al., Int. Immunol. 10:1969-1980 (1998); Thornton et al., J. Exp. Med. 188:287-296 (1998)). Recent studies demonstrate, that CD4⁺ CD25⁺ T cells are also relevant as an immune regulator in humans (Jonuleit et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1285-1294 (2001); Levings et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1295-1302 (2001); Dieckmann et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1303-1310 (2001); Taylor et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1311-1318 (2001)). It was shown, that CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells, similar to their rodent counterpart, constitute a small fraction of CD4+cells (average 6%). They are naturally anergic to mitogenic stimuli, inhibit the proliferation of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells after stimulation via their TCR and do so in a cytokine-independent yet cell contact-dependent manner (Jonuleit et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1285-1294 (2001); Levings et al., M. Exp. Med. 193:1295-1302 (2001); Dieckmann et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1303-1310 (2001); Taylor et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1311-1318 (2001)).

Progress has been made to elucidate the mechanisms by which CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells exert their regulatory function. It has been suggested, that CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells bind transforming growth factor β on their cell surface and thereby mediate contact dependent suppression of other T cells (Nakamura et al., J. Exp. Med. 194:629-644 (2001)). Two groups have described the increased expression of glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor (GITR) on CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells compared to resting CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells and they show, that anti-GITR antibodies abrogate CD4⁺CD25⁺ mediated suppression (Shimizu et al., Nat. Immunol. 3:135-142 (2002); McHugh et al., Immunity. 16:311-323 (2002)).

Very little is still known about requirements for the development and physiological regulation of CD4⁺ CD25⁺ T cell function. Survival and/or expansion of CD4⁺ CD25⁺ T cells in the periphery seems to be dependent on IL-2 and costimulatory molecules, as mice lacking these components show major deficiencies in CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells (Papiernik et al., Int. Immunol. 10:371-378 (1998); Salomon et al., Immunity. 12:431-440 (2000); Kumanogoh et al., J. Immunol. 166:353-360 (2001)). It is difficult to understand, how CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells exert their suppressive function in vivo, as they constitute only 6% of CD4⁺ T cells and need direct cell contact and activation via their TCR to suppress other T cells. In in vitro experiments usually rather high ratios of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells have to be employed to potently suppress proliferation of CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells. These are conditions, that probably would not occur in vivo, as CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells even if antigen-specifically activated do not expand and proliferate well due to their anergic state. It has been shown before, that anergized T cells can mediate regulatory function on other T cells (Jooss et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 98:8738-8743 (2001)). It was now found that CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells do not only anergize other CD4⁺ T cells, but that they also induce high level production of IL-10 in the cells they suppress. The resulting IL-10 producing anergized T cells are then able to suppress T cell proliferation in an IL-10 dependent fashion. These findings give insight into the mechanisms utilized by CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells to execute their important in vivo function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been recently demonstrated that regulatory CD4⁺CD25⁺ CD45RO⁺ T cells are present in the peripheral blood of healthy adults and exert regulatory function similar to their rodent counterparts (PCT/EP02/02671). It remains difficult to understand how the small fraction of these T cells, that regulate via direct cell-to-cell contact and not via secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, could mediate strong immune suppression.

It was now found that human CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells induce long lasting anergy and production of Interleukin-10 in CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells. These anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells then suppress proliferation of syngeneic CD4⁺ T cells via Interleukin-10 but independent of direct cell contact, similar to the so-called type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1). This “catalytic” function of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells to induce Tr1-like cells helps to explain their central role for the maintenance of immune homeostasis. The invention thus provides

-   (1) CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells being able to exert contact-independent     regulatory functions; -   (2) Tr1-like regulatory T cells (also designated     “contact-independent Type 1-like regulatory T cells”) which are     obtainable by anergizing the CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells according to (1)     above, preferably by contact with CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells, and exert     contact-independent regulatory functions; -   (3) a method for expanding CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells as defined in (1) above     or Tr1-like regulatory T cells as defined in (2) above, which method     comprises stimulating the T cells with a T cell stimulating agent or     with antigen-presenting cells ex vivo and in vivo; -   (4) a method for producing the Tr1-like regulatory T cells of (2)     above, which method comprises anergizing CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells as     defined in (1) above or as obtained by the method of (3) above by     contacting the CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells with an anergic state inducing     agent ex vivo and in vivo; -   (5) Expanded CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells and expanded Tr1-like regulatory T     cells obtainable by the method according to (3) above and Tr1-like     regulatory T cells obtainable by the method according to (4) above; -   (6) a pharmaceutical composition comprising the human CD4⁺CD25⁻ T     cells or Tr1-like regulatory T cells according to (1), (2) or (5)     above; -   (7) the use of CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells or of Tr1-like regulatory T cells     according to (1), (2) or (5) above     -   (a) for preparing a regulatory medicament;     -   (b) in assays that will allow to identify other regulatory         factors;     -   (c) for identifying molecules expressed by the CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells         or by the Tr1-like regulatory T cells including identification         of novel molecules on said cells;     -   (d) for identifying precursor cells or progeny of the regulatory         CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells or of the Tr1-like regulatory T cells;     -   (e) for preparing an agent for adoptive transfer therapy, an         agent for treating diseases with enhanced immunity including but         not limited to autoimmune diseases, or an agent for         preventing/treating transplantation reactions such as graft         versus host disease, graft rejections, etc; -   (8) the use of an anergic state inducing agent as defined in (4)     above for preparing an agent to induce Tr1-like regulatory T cells     in vivo, preferably for preparing an agent for treating autoimmune     diseases in a patient; -   (9) a method for adoptive transfer therapy which comprises     injecting/infusing back into the patients enriched/expanded     autologous or non-autologous Tr1-like regulatory T cells according     to (2) or (5) above; -   (10) a method for preparing CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells and Tr1-like     regulatory T cells with a particular desired antigen-specific T cell     receptor which comprises -   (i) activating/stimulating/expanding the CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells according     to (1) above or the Tr1-like regulatory T cells according to (2)     above with antigen presenting cells, preferably immature or mature     dendritic cells (DC), presenting said antigen in vitro or in vivo,     or -   (ii) utilizing a ligand/antibody to a particular T cell receptor     expressed on (subsets of) CD4⁺CD25⁻ regulatory T cells or Tr1-like     regulatory T cells, or a MHC-peptide complex binding to a particular     T cell receptor on (subsets of) CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells or Tr1-like     regulatory T cells, and optionally, in case of CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells,     anergizing said CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells by contacting them with an anergic     state inducing agent; -   (11) CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells and Tr1-like regulatory T cells having a     particular desired antigen-specific T cell receptor and being     obtainable by     -   (i) the method of (10) above, or by transfection of a T cell         receptor of desired antigen specificity into ex vivo isolated or         expanded T cells; or     -   (ii) by the method of (10) above, and which have been brought in         anergic state according to the method of (4) above; -   (12) a pharmaceutical composition comprising the T cells of (11)     above, preferably said pharmaceutical composition being suitable to     treat diseases with enhanced immunity including, but not limited to,     autoimmune diseases, graft versus host disease and graft rejections;     and -   (13) the use of agents specifically binding to defined entities on     the Tr1-like regulatory T cells, including but not limited to     ligands/antibodies, such as monoclonal antibodies or MHC-peptide     complexes or other ligands binding to T cell receptors on (subsets     of) the Tr1-like regulatory T cells for preparing a medicament for     removal or functional impairment of Tr1-like regulatory T cells in     vivo in order to enhance immune responses, including dampen     regulation by and Tr1-like regulatory T cells in vivo, for example,     to enhance tumor immunity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1: Coculture of CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells results in high level IL-10 production. CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were MACS® sorted from PBMC of healthy individuals. These cells were either cultured alone or at a 1:1 ratio and activated with platebound anti-CD3 and soluble anti-CD28 (10 μg/ml respectively).

-   (A) After various time points supernatants were analyzed for     cytokine production by ELISA. IL-10 production peaked 48 h after     onset of culture and was markedly higher in the coculture of CD4⁺     CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells then in the cultures of each of the cell     types alone. A representative out of 5 independent standardized     experiments is shown. No elevated levels of INF-α or TGF-β could be     measured (data not shown). -   (B) The different T cell populations were also activated with mature     allogeneic DC (DC:T cell ratio 1:20) compared to anti-CD3 and     anti-CD28 (10 μg/ml respectively). Cytokines were measured 48 h     after onset of culture. Results were similar in 5 independent     experiments. -   (C) For the last 6 h of activation with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 2 μM     Monensin was added to the cultures. Staining of CD4 surface     expression was performed. Cells were washed, fixed, permeabilized     and stained for intracellular IL-10 using PE-conjugated specific     Abs. One of 5 independent experiments is shown.

FIG. 2: Activated fixed CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells show similar regulatory potential as viable CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells and can induce IL-10 production in CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells.

-   (A) CD4⁺ T cell subpopulations were sorted by MACS® CD4⁺CD25⁺ T     cells were divided into 3 fractions. One part was activated with     platebound anti-CD3 (10 μg/ml) and soluble anti-CD28 (10 μg/ml) over     night and fixed next day with paraformaldehyde 2% (activated-fixed).     The second part was fixed with paraformaldehyde without activation     (resting-fixed) and the second part was left untreated (viable).     Each fraction was mixed with syngeneic CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells at a 1:1     ratio (10⁵ T cells per 96 well) and stimulated with platebound     anti-CD3 (10 μg/ml) and soluble-anti-CD28 (10 μg/ml). Proliferation     was determined by [³H]Tdr incorporation after 5 d. Results are     representative of 5 independent experiments, shown as mean cpm of     triplicate cultures. Similar results were observed, when T cells     were stimulated with mature allogeneic DC (DC/T cell ratio of 1:20;     data not shown). -   (B) CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were either cultured alone or     CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were mixed at a 1:1 ratio with activated-fixed,     resting-fixed or viable CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells. T cells were stimulated     with mature allogeneic DC at the same ratio as in (A). In a parallel     transwell approach CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells were stimulated with allogeneic     DC (DC/T ratio 1:20) in a transwell chamber, and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells     were placed in the well together with allogeneic DC again at a DC/T     ratio of 1:20. IL-10 production was measured by ELISA 48 h after     onset of culture. Results were similar in 5 independent experiments.

FIG. 3: CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells anergized by CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells suppress proliferation of CD4⁺ T cells in a IL-10 dependent manner. MACS® sorted CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were either cultured alone or mixed at a 1:1 ratio (2×10⁶ T cells/24 well) and stimulated with mature allogeneic DC (DC/T cell ratio 1:20) or immobilized anti-CD3/soluble anti-CD28. After 48 h of culture cells were harvested and one fraction of each population was fixed with paraformaldehyde for 1 h. Viable and fixed cells were cocultured with syngeneic resting CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells at a 1:1 ratio (10⁵ T cells per 96 well) and stimulated as before with immobilized anti-CD3/soluble anti-CD28 (lower panel) or mature allogeneic DC (upper panel) in the presence or absence of 10 μg/ml anti-IL-10 antibodies. In a parallel transwell approach the three different T cell populations were placed in a transwell chamber and resting CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were stimulated with DC (DC/T cell ratio 1:20; upper panel) or platebound anti-CD3/soluble anti-CD28 (lower panel) in the well. Proliferation after 5 d was determined by [³H]Tdr incorporation. One out of 4 independent experiments is shown.

FIG. 4:

-   (A) Anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells predominantly secrete IL-10.     CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were isolated as described and     stimulated alone or at a 1:1 ratio with anti-CD3/anti-CD28. 48 h     after stimulation supernatant was harvested and analyzed by a     cytometric bead array for IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α and INF-γ. Results     were similar in 5 independent experiment. (B) Before mixing     CD4⁺CD25⁻ and CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells at a 1:1 ratio, CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells     were labeled with CFSE (0.5 μM) for 15 min. Cells were then mixed     and stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3/soluble anti-CD28. After 48     h cells were harvested and sorted on a FACS Vantage®. The positive     and the negative fraction were then cocultured with syngeneic     resting CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells (10⁵ T cells per 96 well). Proliferation     was measured after 5 d by [³H]Tdr incorporation. One out of 5     independent experiments is shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The important in vivo function of CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells has been thoroughly demonstrated in rodents (Asano et al., Exp. Med. 184:387-396 (1996); Takahashi et al., Int. Immunol. 10:1969-1980 (1998); Thornton et al., J. Exp. Med. 188:287-296 (1998)). Recent studies demonstrate, that CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells are also relevant as an immune regulator in humans (Jonuleit et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1285-1294 (2001); Levings et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1295-1302 (2001); Dieckmann et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1303-1310 (2001); Taylor et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1311-1318 (2001)). Lately we and others have shown that a similar population of regulatory T cells also exists in humans (PCT/EP02/02671). These findings have been confirmed and extended by several groups up to now (Jonuleit et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1285-1294 (2001); Levings et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1295-1302 (2001); Dieckmann et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1303-1310 (2001); Taylor et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1311-1318 (2001); Nakamura et al., J. Exp. Med. 194:629-644 (2001); Ng et al., Blood 98:2736-2744 (2001); Iellem et al., J. Exp. Med. 194:847-853 (2001); Yamagiwa et al., J. Immunol. 166:7282-7289 (2001); Stephens et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 31:1247-1254 (2001); Taams et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 31:1122-1131 (2001)). Still numerous characteristics of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells need to be explained. One important question that has to be answered is how CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells execute their important function in vivo, as they only constitute a small population of peripheral CD4⁺ T cells (average 6%), that need direct cell contact as well as stimulation via the TCR to suppress unwanted T cell activation. In vitro studies usually employ high ratios of CD4⁺CD25⁺/CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells, a situation that is hard to imagine at an inflammatory site in vivo. As described, coculture of CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cell leads to marked reduction of T cell proliferation (Dieckmann et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1303-1310 (2001)). This effect is stable for several days (data not shown). Although CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells produce sizeable quantities of IL-10 this cytokine does not seem to be responsible for the regulatory effects (Dieckmann et al., J. Exp. Med. 193:1303-1310 (2001)). The supernatant of CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ cocultures were analyzed and it was found that high levels of IL-10 are produced, peaking after 48 h. IL-10 levels in the coculture were markedly higher than IL-10 produced by CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells alone, suggesting that it was not only attributable to CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells. This was further confirmed by intracellular FACS® analysis. IL-10 is known to inhibit cytokine production from T cells (Moore et al., Science 248:1230-1234 (1990)) and exert anti-inflammatory and suppressive effects on most haematopoeitic cells. It is also involved in the induction of peripheral tolerance via effects on T-cell-mediated responses (Moore et al., Science 248:1230-1234 (1990)). IL-10 indirectly suppresses T-cell responses by potently inhibiting the antigen-presenting capacity of APC, including DC (Steinbrink et al., J. Immunol. 159:4772-4780 (1997), Langerhans cells and macrophages (Romagnoli et al., J. Immunol. 168:1644-1648 (2002)). In addition, IL-10 directly regulates T cells by inhibiting their ability to produce IL-2, TNF-α (De Waal et al., J. Immunol. 150:4754-4765 (1993)), IL-5 (Schandene et al., J. Immunol. 152:4368-4374 (1994)) and to proliferate Bejarano et al., Int. Immunol. 4:1389-1397 (1992)). It was important to rule out, that the effects seen were not only due to CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells in the coculture. In a set of pilot experiments we could show, that CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells when paraformaldehyde-fixed after polyclonal activation have similar regulatory properties as viable CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells. In coculture experiments, employing activated-fixed and viable CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells together with CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells, it turned out, that IL-10 production remained high, even if activated-fixed CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells were used. This showed, that IL-10 production was not attributable to increased production by CD4⁺CD25⁺ but due to the anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells. In a parallel transwell approach we showed, that direct cell contact between CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells is necessary to prime CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells to become IL-10 producers.

Further experiments were performed to analyze, which effect this high level of IL-10 might have on T cell proliferation. Indeed it was shown, that proliferation of syngeneic CD4⁺ T cells could be markedly decreased by anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells. Addition of anti-IL-10 abolished the suppressive effects of anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells, while a transwell setting, permitting the free exchange of soluble factors, but no cell contact, did not change suppression. Furthermore, we CSFE-labeled CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells and separated them from CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells after 48 h of coculture by FACS® sorting. Both populations strongly inhibited CD4⁺ T cell proliferation which was almost abolished in the unlabeled e.g. CD4⁺CD25⁻ fraction by the addition of anti-IL-10, demonstrating that IL-10 indeed is crucial for the suppressive function of energized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells. This is not surprising, as other reports have shown, that activation of human CD4⁺ T cells in the presence of IL-10 results in a state of functional unresponsiveness without death, termed anergy (Iellem et al., J. Exp. Med. 194:847-853 (2001)). CD4⁺ T cells with low proliferative capacity, that are generated in the presence of IL-10 have been termed type 1 T regulatory cells (Tr1). The cells that are generated in the presence of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells show some characteristics resembling Tr1 cells, especially their low proliferative capacity and the high level production of IL-10. But in some instances they differ, as Tr1 are also defined by their ability to produce TGF-β and anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells did not produce significant amounts of TGF-β at least by the assay used. Further on we clearly demonstrate, that cell contact between CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells and not IL-10 is crucial for the induction phase of inhibitory, anergized, IL-10-producing, CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells. But as coculture of anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ with syngeneic resting CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells results in anergic, IL-10 releasing CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells this IL-10 production may then also contribute to the generation of Tr1-like cells as described for Tr1 cells. To distinguish between indirect effects via APC modulation and direct effect on T cells we used as a stimulus not only allogeneic DC but also immobilized anti-CD3/soluble anti-CD28 as a cell free T cell stimulation system. As the effects seen were independent of the stimuli used, a direct effect on T cells is most likely. The data presented here may serve as an explanation of how CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells fulfill their important in vivo function. At sites of inflammation if activated they would anergize CD4⁺ T cells in their lose environment in an antigen-unspecific bystander effect fashion (Thornton et al., J. Immunol. 164:183-190 (2000)). Our findings suggest, however, that anergized CD4⁺ T cells (including pathogenic ones) in turn will produce high levels of IL-10 thereby creating an immunosuppressive environment either by indirect effect via influence on APC (Steinbrink et al., Blood 93:1634-1642 (1999)) or via direct effects on other T cells thereby effectively abrogating unwanted T cell activation.

The invention is further explained by the following examples, which are, however, not to be construed as to limit the invention.

EXAMPLES

Abbreviations: CFSE, 5-carboxyfluorescein diacetat succinimdyl ester; CTLA-4, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigene 4; DC, dendritic cell; MACS®, magnetic activated cell sorting; Tr1, T regulatory cell 1.

Material and Methods

Culture Medium: RPMI 1640 (Bio Whittaker) supplemented with 1% heat-inactivated autologous plasma, 20 μg/ml gentamicin (Merck) and 2 mM glutamine (Bio Whittaker) was used for the generation of dendritic cells (DC), X-VIVO-20 (Bio Whittaker) supplemented with 1% heat-inactivated single donor human serum, 20 μg/ml gentamicin (Merck) and 2 mM glutamine (Bio Whittaker) for T cell culture.

Cytokines: All cytokines used in this study were recombinant human proteins. Final concentrations were: GM-CSF 1,000 U/ml (Leukomax ™; Novartis), IL-4 800 U/ml (Sandoz) and IL-2 (Proleukin; Chiron Corp.) were used at the concentrations indicated; for DC maturation we used a cocktail consisting of IL-1β2 ng/ml (Sigma); IL-6 1000 U/ml (Sandoz); TNF-α 10 ng/ml (Bender, Vienna), and PGE₂ 1 μg/ml (Sigma).

Antibodies: For immunostaining PE- and FITC-conjugated Antibodies (Ab) (all from BD Pharmingen) against CD3 (UCHT 1), CD4 (RPA-T4), CD5 (UCHT 2), CD8 (RPA-T8), CD14 (M5E2), CD19 (HIB 19), CD25 (M-A251), CD28 (CD28.2), CD45 RA (HI 100), CD45 RO (UCHL 1), CD56 (B159), CD62L (DREG-56), CD80 (L307.4), CD83 HB15e), CD86 (FUN-1), CD95 (DX 2), CD95L (G247-4),CD122 (MiK-β2), CD152 (BNI3.1), CD154 (TRAP 1), HLA-DR (G46-6), and respective mouse and rat isotype controls were employed. Ab used for intracellular cytokine staining were FITC- and PE-conjugated anti-IL-2 (MQ1-17H12), anti-IL-4 (8D4-8), anti-IL-10 (JES3-19F1) and anti-IFN-γ (4S.B3), all from BD Pharmingen. Unconjugated anti-IL-10 (JES3-19F1) (Pharmingen) was used for neutralization experiments, anti-CD3 (UCHT1) and anti-CD28 (CD28.2) for polyclonal activation of T cells.

Cytokine Assays: T cells were stimulated with allogeneic DC or with platebound anti-CD3 (10 μg/ml)+soluble anti-CD28 (10 μg/ml) in X-VIVO-20+1% serum. Cytokine analysis was performed at different time points by analysis of supernatants with commercially available ELISA kits for human IL-10, IFN-α (Biosource International) and TGF-β (BD Pharmingen). IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ and TNF-α were measured by a cytometric bead array (Th1/Th2 Cytokine CBA 1; BD Pharmingen) according to the manufacturers instructions. For analysis of intracellular cytokine production T cells were either stimulated with PMA 20 ng/ml and Ca 2+ionophore A23187 500 μg/ml (both from SIGMA) for 6 hours or with platebound anti-CD3 and soluble anti-CD28 Ab for 6 hours. Monensin, 2 μM (SIGMA) was added for the last 5 hours of culture. Cells were collected, washed, fixed and saponine permeabilized (Fix/perm solution, BD Pharmingen) and stained with cytokine specific Ab or isotype.

Cell isolation and DC Generation: DC were generated from buffy coats orleukapheresis products (both obtained from the Department of Transfusion medicine, University of Erlangen, from healthy donors after informed consent was given) as described in Romani et al, J. Immunol. Methods 196:137-151(1996) and Thurner et al., J. Immunol. Methods 223:1-15(1999). In brief, PBMCs were isolated by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. Monocytes were isolated by plastic adherence and cultured in RPMI Medium, supplemented with IL-4 and GM-CSF. At day 6, a maturation cocktail (IL-1β, IL-6, PGE₂ and TNFα) was added. At day 7 nonadherend cells were harvested and constituted mature DC that were >90% double positive for costimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86) and CD83.

CD4⁺ T cells were isolated from PBMC with a negative CD4⁺ T cell isolation kit (Miltenyi Biotech). CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells were isolated from the pure, untouched CD4⁺ T cells using CD25 Microbeads (Miltenyi Biotech). Purity was assessed by FACS.

Flow Cytometric Analysis: For immunofluorescence staining cells were washed and stained for 20 min at 4° C. with optimal dilution of each Ab. Cells were washed again and analyzed by flow cytometry (FACS Scan® and CELLQuest® software; Becton Dickinson). For analysis of intracellular CD152 cells were stained for CD4 expression, fixed and saponine permeabilized (Fix/perm solution, BD Pharmingen) and stained with CD152 specific Ab or isotype.

Fixation of CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells: For fixation experiments CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were isolated and divided into three fractions. One part of each was activated with platebound anti-CD3 and soluble anti-CD28 over night. Next day the stimulated parts and one resting part were fixated with 2% paraformaldehyde for 1 h at 4° C. Thereafter fixated cells were washed extensively and used in regulation assays together with the untreated fraction.

Induction of anergized T cells: To induce anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells with CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells, both populations were isolated as described. They were either used directly or fixated as described above. 5×10⁵ of CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were cultivated either with platebound anti-CD3 and soluble anti-CD28 (10 μg/ml each) or with allogeneic mature DC (5×10⁴ ) for 48 h in 48 well plates. Thereafter cells were harvested, washed and used in proliferation experiments.

Proliferation Assays: To assess proliferation of the differently cultured CD4⁺subtypes 10⁵ sorted T cells were incubated in X-VIVO-20 with 5×10³ DC in 96-well U-bottom plates or 10 μg/ml of platebound anti-CD3+10 μg/ml soluble anti-CD28 in 96-well flat-bottom plates. For assessment of regulatory properties 10⁵ resting CD4⁺CD25⁻ autologous T cells were cultured with 5×10³ DC or platebound anti-CD3 and soluble anti-CD28 in 96-well U-bottom plates. Purified CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells, anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells or fixated CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were added usually at a 1:1 ratio, if not indicated differently. After 4-5 days of culture [³H]Tdr (37 kBq/well) was added for additional 16 h. Proliferation was measured using a liquid scintillation counter.

Transwell Experiments: Transwell experiments were performed in 24-well plates. 10⁶ CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were stimulated with 5×10⁴ DC. In addition, 10⁶ CD4⁺CD25⁺, CD4⁺CD25⁻ and anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were either added directly to the culture or were placed in transwell chambers (Millicell, 0.4 μm; Millipore). After 5 days of coculture T cells were transferred to 96-well plates (10⁵ cells/well) in triplicates. Proliferation was measured after 16 h pulse with [³H]Tdr using a liquid scintillation counter.

CFSE labeling and sorting: CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were labeled with 0.5 μM of CFSE (Molecular Probes) for 15 minutes at 37° C. Reaction was stopped with ice-cold PBS buffer and cells were washed extensively. 5×10⁵ CD4⁺CD25⁺ CFSE labeled T cells were then cultured with 5×10⁵ unlabeled CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells (and vice versa) with platebound anti-CD3 and soluble anti-CD28 in 48 well plates. Proliferation was controlled by FACS® for different time points. After 48 h cells were harvested and sorted on a FACS Vantage® (Becton Dickinson). Sorted cells were used for further regulation assays.

Example 1

Coculture of CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells yields low proliferating, IL-10 producing T cells.

CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ subpopulations were separated by magnetic cell sorting from healthy donors. Separately or mixed at a 1:1 ratio the cells were stimulated polyclonally with platebound anti-CD3 and soluble anti-CD28 or with mature allogeneic DC. As shown before coculture of CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells results in a constantly low proliferating T cell population (data not shown). The supernatant of this coculture was analyzed after various time points for different cytokines and a high level of IL-10 production was found (peaking 48 h after onset of culture (FIG. 1A)). As shown before CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells alone also produce sizeable amounts of IL-10 (˜200 pg/ml). One might speculate, that IL-10 production was only attributable to CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells, but IL-10 production in the coculture was 2-4 times higher then production of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells alone (FIGS. 2A & B). Intracellular FACS revealed, that the number of IL-10 producing cells more then doubled (FIG. 1C). High IL-10 production after 48 h of coculture was observed regardless if polyclonal activation (platebound anti-CD3 and soluble anti-Cd28) or allogeneic mature DC were used (FIG. 1B). In none of the cultures increased production of TGF-β or Inf-α could be observed (data not shown). CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells alone did not produce significant amounts of IL-10 (FIG. 1 A-C)

Example 2

Activated, paraformaledhyd-Fixed CD4+CD25+T cells show similar regulatory capacity as viable cells.

It is known, that CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells exert their regulatory function in a cell contact-dependent yet cytokine-independent manner. To further analyze their regulatory function, isolated CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells were divided into three parts. One was activated over night polyclonally with platebound anti-CD3 and soluble anti-CD28 and fixed thereafter with paraformaldehyde (“activated-fixed”), the second part was fixed with paraformaldehyde without prior activation (“resting-fixed”) and the third part was left untreated (“viable”). After this procedure the three differently treated fractions of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells were used in regulation assays with syngeneic CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells. As shown in FIG. 2A activated-fixed CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells had a similar regulatory capacity as their normal viable counterpart. This is in sharp contrast to resting-fixed CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells which do not show any regulatory function at all.

Activated-fixed and viable CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells almost completely suppressed proliferation of CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells when a 1:1 ratio was used. This underlines and extends prior findings on the regulatory function, demonstrating that surface molecules, induced after activation of CD4⁺CD25⁺ are responsible for the regulatory capacity of these cells.

Example 3

CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells induce IL-10 production in anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells in a cell contact-dependent manner.

In further experiments the above mentioned findings were used to analyze the requirements for induction of IL-10 producing anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells. CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were either cultured alone or at a 1:1 ratio with normal viable CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells, activated-fixed CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells, resting-fixed CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells or in a transwell setting. IL-10 production was measured 48 h after onset of culture. As shown in FIG. 2B a high level IL-10 production was achieved in coculture either with viable CD4⁺CD25⁺ or activated-fixed CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells. In Transwell experiments IL-10 production, similar to that of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells alone was observed and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells alone produced negligible amounts of IL-10.

Example 4

CD4+CD25 - T cells anergized by CD4 +CD25+T cells suppress activation of syngeneic CD4+T cells in an IL-10 dependent manner. IL-10 is known as a cytokine with potent immunosuppressive function. It was therefore tempting to speculate, that the high IL-10 production of anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells would lead to secondary suppression of other T cells. In a next set of experiments we sought to investigate this matter. As it is known, that IL-10 can act indirectly on T cells, via influence on APC, we choose a polyclonal, cell free T cell stimulus (platebound anti-CD3 and soluble anti-CD 28) and mature allogeneic DC, because they are known as the most powerful APC and largely resistant to IL-10 17. CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells alone or at a 1:1 ratio were stimulated with allogeneic DC (FIG. 3, upper panel) or with bound anti-CD3 and soluble anti-CD28 (FIG. 3, lower panel) for 48 h. Thereafter cells were either fixed with paraformaldehyde or used viable. As expected activated CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells induced strong suppression of CD4⁺ proliferation and at a 1:1 ratio almost abolished it, whereas activated CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells did not alter proliferation of syngeneic CD4⁺ T cells. When the cocultured CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were used in regulation assays, they mediated a strong inhibition of CD4⁺ T cell proliferation (FIG. 3). This phenomenon was seen, regardless of the stimulus used (FIG. 3, upper and lower panel). We further added anti-IL-10 Ab to the regulation assay or performed it in a transwell setting. As shown before anti-IL-10 did not alter suppressive function of pure CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells, whereas in a transwell setting CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells could not mediate suppression. The opposite was true for regulation by anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells. Addition of IL-10 antibodies almost completely abolished inhibition, whereas a transwell setting did not markedly change the regulatory function of these cells. Suggesting, that inhibition is mediated dominantly by secretion of IL-10 (FIG. 3). Similar effects were seen with polyclonally or allogeneic stimulated cells (FIG. 3, upper and lower panel).

To further exclude that the observed effects are mediated by CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cell directly we performed CFSE labeling and FACS® sorting experiments. CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were labeled with CFSE and then mixed with CD4^(+CD)25⁺ unlabelled T cells at 1:1 ratio. This mixture was stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3/soluble anti-CD28 for 48 h. Thereafter cells were sorted by FACS® and used in regulation assays with syngeneic CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells. As shown in FIG. 4, regulation was mediated by both, the labeled and unlabeled fractions, which was abolished by addition of anti-IL-10 in the case of unlabeled (energized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells). Not surprisingly activated CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells showed inhibition of T cells proliferation themselves. This could not be abolished by anti IL-10, clearly demonstrating, that anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells mediate suppression via IL-10 which is distinct from the mechanisms utilized by CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells.

Example 5

Anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells predominantly produce IL-10 . To analyze the cytokine secretion pattern of anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells, CD4⁺CD25⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells were sorted and stimulated alone or at a 1:1 mixture as described before. After 48 hours of culture supernatants were analyzed for the cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α and INF-γ by a cytometric bead array, which allows multiparameter analysis in a single sample. As shown in FIG. 4, anergized CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells similar to CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells do only produce very low levels of TNF-α and INF-γ and no IL-2,-4 or IL-5. CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells on the other hand produce high levels of IL-2, TNF-α and INF-γ and low to moderate levels of IL-4 and IL-5, resembling a TH1 phenotype. Surface phenotyping with the Abs mentioned in material and method did not reveal striking differences between activated CD4⁺CD25⁺, activated CD4⁺CD25⁻ and cocultured CD4⁺CD25⁺/CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells after 48 h of activation (data not shown). 

1. Isolated CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells which are able to exert contact-independent regulatory functions.
 2. The T cells according to claim 1, which (i) are human CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells, and/or (ii) are isolatable from peripheral blood.
 3. The T cells according to claim 2, which are isolatable from peripheral blood by suitable monoclonal antibodies and using magnetic separation or immunoadsorption methods.
 4. Isolated Tr1-like regulatory T cells which are obtainable by anergizing the CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells according to claim 1, and exert contact-independent regulatory functions.
 5. The T cells of claim 4, which (i) are human Tr1-like regulatory T cells, and/or (ii) are capable of IL-10 production.
 6. A method for expanding CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells as defined in claim 1 or Tr1-like regulatory T cells as defined in claim 3, which method comprises stimulating the T cells with a T cell stimulating agent or with antigen-presenting cells ex vivo and in vivo.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein (i) the T cell stimulating agent is a composition comprising (a) anti-CD3 and/or anti-CD28 ligands/monoclonal antibodies, (b) a ligand/antibody to T cell receptors on the surface of the CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells or the Tr1-like regulatory T cells, or to T cell receptor components; or (c) MHC-peptide complexes binding to the T cell receptors expressed on the surface of regulatory T cells; or (d) a phorbolester and a calcium ionophor, and/or (ii) the antigen-presenting cells are selected from autologous, non-autologous and artificial antigen-presenting cells.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the anti-CD3 and/or anti-CD28 ligands/monoclonal antibodies are superagonistic antibodies, or the antigen-presenting cells are dendritic cells, or the T cells stimulating agent and antigen-presenting cells are used together with IL-2 and/or IL-5, IL-7 and/or IL-9, IFN-α, and/or IL-10.
 9. A method for producing the Tr1-like regulatory T cells of claim 4, which method comprises anergizing CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells by contacting the CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells with an anergic state inducing agent ex vivo and in vivo.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein (i) the anergic state inducing agent comprises CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells; or (ii) the anergic state inducing agent is a substance or a mixture of substances mimicking the role of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the anergic state inducing agent comprises CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells and said method comprises co-culturing the CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells with CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells.
 12. Expanded CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells and expanded Tr1-like regulatory T cells obtainable by the method according to claim
 6. 13. Tr1-like regulatory T cells obtainable by the method according to claim
 9. 14. A pharmaceutical composition comprising human CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells or Tr1-like regulatory T cells according to any one of claims 1, 4, 12 or
 13. 15. Method of using CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells or Tr1-like regulatory T cells according to any one of claims 1, 4, 12 or 13 (f) in assays that will allow an indentification of other regulatory factors; (g) for identifying molecules expressed by the CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells or by the Tr1-like regulatory T cells; (h) for identifying precursor cells or progeny of regulatory CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells or of Tr1-like regulatory T cells; (i) for adoptive transfer therapy, for treating diseases with enhanced immunity, or for preventing/treating transplantation reactions.
 16. Method according to claim 15, which is (a) for identifying novel molecules on the CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells or the Tr1-like regulatory T cells; or (b) for treating autoimmune diseases; or (c) for preventing/treating graft versus host disease or graft rejections.
 17. Method of using an anergic state inducing agent for inducing Tr1-like regulatory T cells in vivo.
 18. Method according to claim 17, which is carried out for treating autoimmune diseases in a patient.
 19. A method for adoptive transfer therapy which comprises injecting/infusing back into patients enriched/expanded autologous or non-autologous Tr1-like regulatory T cells according to any one of claims 4, 12 or
 13. 20. A method for preparing CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells and Tr1-like regulatory T cells with a particular desired antigen-specific T cell receptor which comprises (i) activating/stimulating/expanding the CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells according to claim 1 or the Tr1-like regulatory T cells according to claim 4 with antigen presenting cells, presenting said antigen in vitro or in vivo, or (ii) utilizing a ligand/antibody to a particular T cell receptor expressed on (subsets of) CD4⁺CD25⁻ regulatory T cells or Tr1-like regulatory T cells, or a MHC-peptide complex binding to a particular T cell receptor on (subsets of) CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells or Tr1-like regulatory T cells, and optionally, in case of CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells, energizing said CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells by contacting them with an anergic state inducing agent.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the antigen presenting cells are immature or mature dendritic cells (DC).
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the antigen-presenting cells are pulsed/loaded/fed with tissue or any defined or undefined antigens, wherein (i) the defined antigens are autoantigens delivered as peptide, protein, immune complex, RNA or hybrids between cells of interest and dendritic cells/antigen presenting cells; or (ii) the undefined antigens are tissue or cell-derived antigens or pathogen-derived antigens.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the defined antigens are bispecific antibodies bound to antigen and Fc receptors, or the undefined antigens are antigens which are in the form of viable necrotic or apoptotic cells, with or without being complexed to antibodies as defined in (i) above, or tissue derived RNA or hybrids between cells of interest and dendritic cells/antigen presenting cells, other forms of delivery of undefined antigens into dendritic cells or other antigen presenting cells.
 24. CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells and Tr1-like regulatory T cells having a particular desired antigen-specific T cell receptor and obtainable by (iii) the method of claim 20, or by transfection of a T cell receptor of desired antigen specificity into ex vivo isolated or expanded T cells; or (iv) the method of claim 20, and which have been brought into an anergic state.
 25. Pharmaceutical composition comprising the T cells of claim
 16. 26. Method of using agents specifically binding to defined entities on the Tr1-like regulatory T cells for removal or functional impairment of Tr1-like regulatory T cells in vivo in order to enhance immune responses.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the agents are selected from monoclonal antibodies or MHC-peptide complexes or other ligands binding to T cell receptors on (subsets of) the Tr1-like regulatory T cells, or the method is performed to dampen regulation by and Tr1-like regulatory T cells in vivo.
 28. The method of claim 27, which is performed to enhance tumor immunity. 